Monday, December 01, 2008

Oh My Goodness

So, so much goodness and I hardly know where to start or when to finish. I have hundreds of pictures I could share and lots of happy stories, funny jokes, dear moments and foodie confessions... we're talking Thanksgiving, family, mountains, starry walks, food, and a derpday! The derpday.

Hold on a sec. I gotta catch my breath.

Maria is 4. It happened. All of it... the glitter, the friends, the painting and flowers and fairy wings and hugs and affection, the elation and giddiness, the exuberance of a child in love with the world. The night before she turned 4 years old, I looked on her in wonder and I felt those sentimental stirrings... the wistfulness, not wanting her to be 1 day older. And yet every new day is good, every milestone is amazing, every new skill and bright thought is a blessing. So, as much as I would like to stop time and inhale more days of 3 year old joy, I am ready to welcome this new year... Maria's new year.

To begin with, thank you. You and you and you! We feel the love and support, we witness the kindness and generosity and we are so grateful, so awestruck. My friend Jola, who could not come to the party, could not help participating. She made 3 princess hats, with elegant tulle veils. Bill and Alison sent the perfect wings... Maria ran, exclaiming "I'm in the sky!" All our family, in the mountains for Thanksgiving, played and hid and seeked, and tickled and chased and shared and showered Maria with love and she loved them right back. Everyone shared in the excitement and jumped into her world. A lot of things and stuff can go into a party, a celebration, but it's the people that make it fun and special... and everyone we know has contributed to Maria's happy derpday.

I told you... I don't know where to begin... We ordered a decorated white cake. At home Max helped me make beet extract pink frosting and he guided me in adding some flowers and his sister's name. Then we topped it with a glittered fairy angel we made from The Toy Maker. Maria loved it. It made her eyes widen and her mouth formed a delighted "Oh!

Nice thing about an outdoor, garden party is the decorating is mostly complete... there were pomegranates and flowers and foliage and natural loveliness everywhere. We added our scrappy princess garland and the Sesame Street and princess cups and plates Maria chose... and that was about it.

Alex and Delia sliced bagels. Geoff was helping all over. William was a good gopher too. Max was a very supportive member of the party crew.

These princes were chillin'. Far away. Alex, with his wry wit, later remarked that the day was surreal. There was a great deal of pink and accessories, and not a Lego brick or robot in sight.

Tristan was a fun party guest. I noticed that he systematically visited each craft station and activity, where he quietly and contentedly enjoyed painting rocks and plaster flowers, then planted a real flower. He was with us at the pond and on our explore and wherever he was, he politely and thoughtfully played and engaged with people and the environment. Morgan too. What a little naturalist he is. He waited so patiently at the edge of the pond and time after time he could swiftly and gently scoop up fish in his bare hands.

All the fun we had at this pond makes me want to go back to the big pond where we celebrated Tristan's birthday.

I am going to be very patient, but I expect to see a lot of emails with photo attachments coming in real soon...lol. How many cameras were working and flashing and capturing the fun? Many! Gretchen and I were messing with Hans this time, doing our over the top photo love. We are so funny. And a special shout out to the anniversary couple btw. I'm so glad you are celebrating together this year!

There were a lot of guests that joined us in celebrating Maria's birthday, and I am so glad they were there to hear Maria say, "I love you all. And thank you for coming to my princess derpday. And... and now I just want to open presents."

Now let's head out in to the park and enjoy the sights. Let's run around with cousins and friends and look for those frogs and float leaves...
Izzy, Maria and Jacob.

James, Tristan, Morgan, Maria and Jacob... fishing.

It's a nice treat to be in a favorite place and see people that I love there, together. We should do this more often.

Maria and her cousin Jesse.

Here is the adventure ready J Crew. Jacob and Jared, Jesse and James.

Did I mention that everyone was having a good time? I think uncle Rich would like to come back here to play again. He and Morgan were the most successful fishermen. Max and Nick made a cooperative and patient team.

Max held Nick while Nick prepared to make a catch... they didn't ever fall in, so I guess it was a good idea. It was certainly a pleasure to watch them playing together.

Happy birthday Maria. You had a vision and it was so much fun to see it come to life. I hope you always find a way to make your beautiful dreams come true, and I hope we can always be around to witness the joy you find and inspire.

19 comments:

oh my! that looks like the most wonderful princess birthday party ever! great job natalie! i am certain that maria will remember it forever... what a blessing.hope your holiday was equally spectacular.love to you and your family...

What a fabulous looking party - everyone looked to be JUST the right age to enjoy it. Great work! Its rewarding to see it all come together with such love and of course RAVE reviews from all concerned.

Derpday. Check. What a lovely post. It makes me whistful about my 3 girls and them all getting older everyday. But they do dont they. How nice to have such a special event for all to remember.And a Calamity Kim apron? Oh my.

oh, what a lovely big happy smile! I love it that she wore my apron! I think she is just too adorable! Sending virtual hugs and kisses! I might have to bake a cake in her honor!!!! Happy Birthday sweet Maria!I love you guys! I am so thankful for your family in my life too. Makes up for a whole lot that I don't have. Thank you Natalie.love, love, love...all we need is love...

Oh... I'm tearing up over here... what a lovely derpday party! It looks like Maria had a wonderful time! It looks like EVERYONE had a wonderful time! I'm so jealous I wasn't actually there! What a wonderful day... Happy Birthday princess Maria!

This is a moving post, Natalie. Maria is not only beautiful. She is ETHEREAL. And I love how she is in love with the world! It looks like the party and all the family time together was amazing and delightful. Happy belated birthday, Maria!

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Chirp-Chirp-Chirp BirdHouse Notes

Phew... last time I was here I was worrying about red flags, then suddenly it was PURPLE!? Crazy few days, with some surprises. Now, I am just sending my best thoughts for people trying to recover from these fires, and even, still fighting the California wildfires. Stay strong, all.

December 12, 2017

11:00 am

"Red Flag Warning" has always been the message that put me on edge. Last night our phones alarmed with a text message: "Purple Flag Warning." Purple is a higher level of fire danger... high winds blowing east to west, low humidity, and loads of dry brush in canyons and open spaces. It was a restless night. And I don't expect much relief until Los Angeles and Ventura are safe.

December 7, 2017

Angelinos, take care. California wild fires, all fires, unnerve me. We've evacuated three times, and witnessed the fear and dread first hand. Praying for the first responders, and for a break in the weather.

December 6, 2017

10:40 am

Blogging, like a pair of jeans that most would have thrown out by now... worn, faded, out of style. But so familiar and comfortable, dependable somehow, too... so I keep 'em.

December 4, 2017

10:28 am

Looking for a reasonable means of being in Oregon, and Wisconsin for Christmas... also would like to have all of our friends, family and pets with us, too. We don't need fancy trimmings or luxury accommodations. Just a group hug, and time together gathered around a kitchen table, with some tea.

November 25, 2017

11:08 am

Our Thanksgiving forecast is looks like a hot day in July. I suggested to my friend, Anna Banana, "Next year in NY!" Where would you like to spend Thanksgiving? If you came to California, you could have turkey and stuffing on the beach, and then surf!

November 21, 2017

9:11 am

Never question whether a day can “get any worse.” I’ve been making that mistake for about a year.

November 20, 2017

4:59 pm

Gratitude. Gratitude. Gratitude. Gratitude.

Excuse me while I practice my "gratitude," which is being sorely tested... this year.